"We kept an eye on him, watched him a few times and spoke to many people up in Scotland and the responses were positive. I went to watch him myself towards the end of the season and everything I saw was great to see.

"I think he is a fantastic addition and it's a great opportunity for him to come to England.

"He can get up and down the pitch like a good old modern midfielder. We've seen the power he has and the way he can pass a ball. He ticks all the boxes.

"When I've spoken to him, you can see how dedicated he is to his job. He wants to do well because he is really ambitious and I think that's what he saw in us. He identified the journey the club want to go on and I think he really wants to be a part of it."